Thursday, February 16, 2017

Federal funding at risk for state programs relied on by Massachusetts residents

The state and federal governments operate together to support the important work of expanding opportunity and ensuring the well-being of the residents of the Commonwealth. A number of proposals expected to be debated by Congress in the coming months threaten to destabilize this partnership. MassBudget's new report examines the major federal funding sources that the state uses to provide access to affordable health care, help children thrive, assist low-income families, and care for veterans. In addition to describing the sources of federal funding, the report examines the policy changes Congress is likely to consider that could threaten this funding and the services the funding supports.

This fiscal year, one of every four dollars that supports the state's budget comes from the federal government - close to $11 billion in federal funds.

The report describes how over 30 state agencies and numerous other state programs rely on federal funding, and details a number of significant threats from potential Congressional actions.

The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts.